Embrace winter with a day of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. Here are some great places not too far from Chicago to where – depending on your skill and comfort level — you can glide gently or zoom down some hills. All of these locations can help out Mother Nature by making their own snow! Weather […]

Autumn announces itself with yellows, oranges, reds, and purples and it’s officially here. Take the kids out to explore all the changes autumn brings and enjoy the beautiful foliage at these four spots near Chicago: Chicago Botanic Garden With 26 different gardens on over 300 acres, you’re sure to see plenty of autumn foliage at […]

I’ll confess that I’m not a huge fan of fall. It’s fine and all, but I prefer spring and summer and I’m not enthusiastic about the approach of cold weather. However, I LOVE apple picking. It almost makes up for the fact that summer is ending. It’s a tradition in our family to go apple […]

I don’t know about you, but we’re just about falling into our summer routine when the Fourth of July comes along to shake things up. I love it! Not only do I love celebrating independence and freedom, but it’s a kick in the butt. It’s a reminder that summer is filled with amazing opportunities for […]

I love settling into a darkened movie theater with my family and a ginormous bucket of popcorn. It doesn’t matter if we see a brand new release, or an old favorite movie, it’s just nice to escape for an hour or so into a different world. Bonus: it’s especially nice to escape from the heat […]

It’s baseball season and lots of the local baseball teams have clubs for kids. Kids get souvenirs from the team and tickets to attend games for a fraction of the price you’d pay purchasing them separately. The Chicago White Sox even have a free kids club! Chicago White Sox Chicago White Sox Kids Club – Free […]

Christmas isn’t exactly around the corner, but opening weekend for Great America is. If you’re excited about the April 21 opening weekend, Six Flags Great America has some amazing news for you. In addition to the brand new, record-breaking loop coaster, Mardi Gras Hangover, and an accompanying Mardi Gras Festival in late summer, they’re also […]

Autumn in the Parisi household means apple picking. We have gone apple picking every year since Cooper was born and some of my favorite photos of the kids are from our apple picking adventures through the years. If apple picking isn’t a tradition in your household you should consider starting it now. One of our […]

If you’re a coaster fan, hold on to your hat! Six Flags Great America just made a huge announcement. In 2018 the “Thrill Capital of the Midwest” will introduce a record-breaking attraction – the world’s largest loop coaster. Thrill riders will “face-off” in a unique seating configuration. Guests will be seated back-to-back and face-to-face. They’ll […]

Summer is sliding away and it’ll be fall (officially) very soon. Spend your fall exploring Chicago attractions for free! Most free days only apply to Illinois residents with valid identification and only apply to general admission, not special exhibits or events. Adler Planetarium – September 12-16, October 10, November 11, December 3-9. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool– […]

Spring has arrived! (Someone please tell Mother Nature.) Spring is about rebirth and renewal, so what better time to renew your love for Chicago and all the amazing things it has to offer? Visit an old favorite museum, or check out someplace brand new, and do it for less by visiting on a free day. […]

Recently the boys and I had a busy day with a lot of time spent in the car. We were all getting a little hungry (okay, maybe even hangry), but I wanted something healthier and tastier than drive-thru fare, so we popped into the Corner Bakery in Oak Lawn. Corner Bakery has a huge selection of […]

Going to the movies is always a special treat and it’s perfect no matter what the weather is like. Get ready for some popcorn and enjoy a family movie together at a great price because these theaters have winter movie specials: Marcus Theatres – Kids Dream Winter Film Series Admission is only $3 for […]

New year, new chance to explore the city! Winter is a great time to visit Chicago museums because there aren’t the same crowds as in the summer and lots of them offer more free days during the winter months. Add these dates to your calendar and plan some family outings! Most free days only apply […]